IPMS/USA Review – A-4E/F/M Skyhawk 1:32 Landing Gear

This set replaces part of the landing gear in the Trumpeter A-4 Skyhawk kit #02266). The kit already includes metal main gear legs so the main advantage of this set is the nose gear. The Trumpeter nose gear is cast as a single strut, fork and wheel.

In 1/32 scale, this is not a good look, especially considering how prominent the Skyhawks nose gear is. This set separates the nose gear tire from the forks that hold it. You will still need to use the kit parts #F-1,5,51 to complete the nose gear.

The soft metal SAC uses tends to get bent in the package but is easily straightened out. The fork assembly is cast separate from the main gear leg and requires drilling out to fit. The one advantage I’ve always liked about SAC gear is the ability to polish the metal to represent the strut oleos.